The Discovery…
When Peter D'Adamo
took over his father's research he already knew the science and history
behind the blood. His task now was to inquire more, dig deeper, and
then communicate his findings to the masses. The benefits that he and
his father noted in numerous subjects over the years have proven far
more than weight loss with this individualized plan. The health benefits
alone should sway one to adhere and practice the blood type diet.
A History…
The evolution of
man also holds the secrets to the Blood Type Diet. The eldest
type has been found to be the 'O'. A hunter, who tracked his
prey, captured it and then utilized it's flesh for his consumption.
The A's tend to be the vegetarians. They were on the plains making
use of the fruit bearing earth. B's are most balanced in their
eating regimen, utilizing meats, vegetables and dairy. And the AB's
evolved into the finicky eaters with their own limitations within each
food category while maintaining close ties with their A and B counterparts.
Noting the history
and progression of the types, it only made sense to research their geographical
domains as well. Early humans began their history upon the plains of
Africa where they ate wild plants and the remains of carcasses left
behind by the larger predators. With the emergence of the Cro-Magnons,
or the O's, in approximately 40,000 BC, man began to experience
the thrill of the hunt and his diet included much protein. The humans
pilfered away their resources and then looked to the ground to supply
them with needed nutrition.
Along with becoming
better farmers, man also had to travel to seek out food resources. Moving
into the territories now known as Asia and Europe, humans soon learned
to become omnivorous by mixing in berries, roots and small animals into
their diets. Populations found the most fertile lands nearer the waters,
and thus fish became a popular resource as well. Yet soon the Cro-Magnons
utilized the mass of their resources and were forced to migrate further
and to find other means of nutrition.
When man made his
way across Asia and the Middle East he began the process of cultivation
and of domesticating animals. The sudden mutation of digestion and diet
can be attributed to man's own depletion of his nutrients. The individuals
that can trace their heritage back to the Mediterranean, Adriatic
and Aegean seas will tend to be A's that survived the wastefulness
of the early O's.
The B blood type
emerges from the Himalayan highlands. When the Mongols began to
emerge from the mountains they took with them the B blood type into
the north and east of Europe, even into Russia, India and many Asian
cultures. This blood type is also indicative of both the Ashkenazim
and the Sephardim sects of Judaism.
From an intermingling
of the Caucasians and the Mongols emerged the rare AB blood type.
Making up less than 5% of the world's population, it was only
discovered within the last 1000 years. It seems to have come about when
Europe encountered a mass migration westward.
How it Works…
All organisms are
equipped with a system that enables the body to identify foreign objects
within the system. One method of this identification process is the
utilization of antigens. Each blood type has a different antigen and
is capable of being a most important factor in ones immunity from intruders.
When the body is
alerted to foreign antigens, it then begins the process of accumulating
antibodies that will fight against it. The antibodies will adhere to
the foreign antigens and it will become sticky enough to agglutinate
with like cells. This process aids in the bodies elimination of the
foreign matter whereas it also can impede many other functions.
The Enemy…
All foods bear products
known as lectins. These are elements of protein that agglutinate
the blood. Often lectins interfere with the immune system, protein digestion,
block hormones and impair absorption. They have been found in plants,
animals, viruses, bacterias and other microorganisms. When an individual
ingests a food that has lectins that are incompatible with the body's
blood type, then the body will accumulate an abundance of blood cells
in a particular organ or tissue, this is agglutination.
These lectins serve
as a basis for the reasoning behind the Blood Type Diet. When
a food is administered to the body that is an avoid, the cells will
agglutinate, urinary indican levels raise (indicating bowel toxicity),
the food does not get properly digested and it stimulates an antibody
reaction. When beneficial foods are eaten, the body's processes are
all performed with ease and the system is supplied with essential nutrients
for that body's chemistry.
The Fabulous
Four…
With very few limitations
to their protein intake, O's tend to perform well when ingesting
red meat, chicken, turkey, venison, mutton or any other game. It
is in the preparation of those choices that the O's need mind. Overheating
your meats can be detrimental to the nutrients needed by all types.
Heating also denatures many vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are
necessary for body function and even digestion. Overcooked meat taxes
the digestive system, thus for proper nutrient absorption and assimilation
of amino acids, individuals must come to terms that rare meat is vital
to health. Learning to pair your meats with proper sides will insure
that the nutrients are viable and that the O will maintain health. Carbohydrates
and dairy will do more harm than good when paired with protein sources,
including the raising of pH levels.
Wheat and dairy
have plagued the O blood type for centuries. Both have proven to
do damage to the colon and other organs as well as impeding the function
of the lymphatics. Both of these staples of today's diet were not utilized
when the O blood type originated, and thus O's tend to lack the digestive
capabilities to utilize these products.
While generally
being an energetic blood type, the O's tend to work well on the various
adaptogens such as Siberian Ginseng for improved utilization.
This herb has the ability to enhance any other supplementation as well
as supplying support for cellular metabolism and immune function. Since
O's tend to lack thyroid metabolism, products such as kelp can ease
the situation. Supplementation with iodine can be beneficial in weight
loss, fluid retention and fatigue.
The more agrarian
type, the A's, tend to struggle in their search for viable protein
sources that don't congest their lymphatic system. Red meats are
an avoid since A's tend to lack the digestive enzymes needed for the
heavier proteins, yet these individuals must maintain the proper amino
acids and nutrients that proteins have to offer. Soy has been a most
gracious alternative in this search. Given that the A antigen is more
susceptible to the xenoestrogens in the environment; it is beneficial
to have the phytoestrogens in soy to combat these deadly toxins.
Also, soy is an excellent source for blood and immune health.
There are other
options for an A that maintains a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Many fishes are rich in the omega oils that may benefit cardiovascular
health. A secondary source of protein can be sought in nuts and seeds.
(Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil contain lignin, an element that inhibits
cancer cell growth.) Dairy and eggs should be used in small quantities
due to mucous forming effects. Various beans and legumes will also supply
a protein source, while other options for an A would include supplementation
such as GreenZone, Super Algae or Spirulina to gain the amino
acids essential to the body. The A blood type will benefit immunologically
by administering Astragalus and since many of the A's fall prey
to heart disease. Hawthorne is a beneficial supplement that will
increase the elasticity and strength of the arteries and the heart.
More balanced than
the other types, a B will find that game makes the best protein sources,
that dairy can supply nutrients and that fruits and vegetables will
pair well with all of the above. Venison, rabbit, mutton, lamb,
many fishes and some nuts are all beneficials, whereas a lectin in chicken
poses a challenge to the delicate digestive system. Eggs do not possess
this lectin and are another lovely addition to the diet.
Antigens in the
B blood and a dairy sugar, d-galactosamine, are essentially the
same. This allows the B type to indulge in the dairy that proves sinful
to the other blood types. Those of Asian or African descent may
have more of a difficulty with the digestion of dairy since it was never
introduced into their cultures as it was with the Caucasians.
In such a case it would be beneficial to slowly introduce these products
to your diet. Many recommend soy as an alternative, yet this is not
feasible for the B's.
Corn, beans and
soy are all challenging to this type. Lectins in most beans create
an agglutination that congests many of the cellular functions. Due to
enzymatic activity, soy should be avoided as well. Corn has become extremely
hard to avoid due to its presence in most processed foods. Corn syrup
and corn meal tend to be on labels everywhere and unfortunately, these
are avoids for the B blood type.
Supplementation often includes soothing herbs for the B type. Lecithin,
Licorice Root and Elderberry all have their benefits. Lecithin allows
for improved immune function. Licorice Root benefits the digestive
tract, immune system and it combats chronic fatigue and hypoglycemia.
The Elderberry can be used for the immune system as well, especially
during flu or cold season.
Their B antigen
benefits AB's in that they have more digestive enzymes than that of
an A. Both plagued by high cholesterol factors and sensitive to environmental
factors like the A, AB's do best with fishes and soy as their protein
sources. The occasional use of the B's beneficial lamb or venison is
generally okay, but also like the B, the AB should abstain from chicken
products.
Due to the B antigen,
AB's can do some dairy and eggs. One must be watchful of their
cholesterol levels though, since this type is prone to excess.
Another concern would be that too much dairy can attribute to ear, nose,
throat and lung disorders due to the mucous causing effects of the dairy,
whereas selected proportions could benefit the body with improved insulin
production.
Beans can be
quite beneficial to the AB type. Serving as a viable source of protein,
Navy, Pinto and Red Soy will supply omega oils and other nutrients
to the AB. Nuts and seeds are another source and organic nut
butters provide amino acids as well.
Supplementation
to the AB program would generally focus on immunity, antioxidants
and heart strengtheners. Vitamin C, a general remedy, also helps
to stimulate the production of stomach acid in the AB that generally
has low acidity. Not only will the Vitamin C aid in immunity, but also
digestion will improve and you will be supplied with an antioxidant
as well. Immune enhancing selections include Echinacea and Astragalus.
Astragalus has been used in the orient to fight cancer and can be used
here as well to stimulate the production and utilization of white blood
cells. Dr. D'Adamo recommends Hawthorne for the heart of the
AB. It will protect the cardiovascular system and serve as an antioxidant.
Other Factors…
Supplementation
and diet are not always as easy as they may seem. There can be underlying
factors that support or negate the speed at which a new diet plan may
take. Elements to always remain aware of when administering a program
is your pH levels, your secretor factor and your happiness.
Many individuals
worry about their Rh factor and its contribution to the diet. Ultimately
very little evidence has been presented that displays that one's Rh
factor has any influence on this diet. An O- individual could expect
to perform better when eating more protein and fewer grains. Yet little
more has been discovered.
Not all individuals
will see improvements on a general diet plan. After six months of no
noticeable improvement, it may be time to explore the more subtle options
that this diet has to offer. A's and AB's have less common subtypes
that would require proportioning the diet differently. You may have
food allergies that need to be uncovered or you may fall into a category
known as a non-secretor.
The majority of the population is secretors. The remaining 15-20% are
left with the non-secretor title. This is when a gene inhibits the secretion
of the individual's blood type in the bodily fluids (i.e. saliva, semen).
In cases of disease, a secretor tends to be able to ward off infection
from the outside whereas a non-secretor would allow the disease into
the body to be targeted by the immune system later. Unfortunately this
leads to systemic infection in most non-secretors where an infection
spreads throughout the body. Your secretor status influences the body's
intestinal flora, blood-clotting abilities, immune resistance, sensitivity
to bacteria, susceptibility to candida infections, and the prevalence
of autoimmune disorders.
One's secretor status
affects the diet, and the entire human system, from the beginning. Since
digestion begins in the mouth, if one does not present their antigens
in the saliva then the body will be unable to defend against bacteria
or other intruders. In D'Adamo's book, "Live Right For Your
Type", he is able to list the slight variations that can make
quite the difference in your program.
Getting Physical…
Exercise recommendations
are made within the books as well. It seems strange to say that what
a strenuous workout will do for an O what yoga can maintain for an A.
Since the diet focuses on systemic processes within the body, this statement
holds true. The recommendations will truly benefit each types glandular,
immune, circulatory and nervous function.
Your Turn…
The blood type diet
is ultimately left in your hands to fulfill. One can gradually work
their way into the full plan, or one can jump into the program. Many
choose to gradually work through the avoid foods in their cabinets and
replace them with the neutrals or beneficials. Others will immediately
throw out the avoids and stock their cabinets and refrigerators with
the life giving beneficials.
Those that have
diseased systems tend to see an improvement within two weeks to six
months depending on their level of commitment to the diet's values.
Depending on the function of the glandular system, many that begin the
diet for weight loss will see results within the two week to six month
time frame as well, all depending upon their dedication to the program.
Dr. D'Adamo recommends that for weight loss purposes, one should select
80-100% of their foods from the beneficial categories.
Whereas many of
your fad diets will recommend certain time periods for the programs,
choosing the Blood Type Diet is a lifelong commitment to yourself
and your health. There will be plateaus where the body will be in the
process of normalizing hormonal levels and balancing function. During
these periods it is imperative that one continue with their beneficial
foods. In time, and with patience, one will overcome the plateau and
move forward with their health.
The blood type diet
has its benefits for all. Complimenting health and nutrition, this plan
will often eliminate disease and stimulate a healthier and more vibrant
outlook on life. Most people will have improved digestion and more energy
to spend doing the things that they love. Beginning to implement this
program into your world could make a world of difference.